The line of asylum seekers outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan has reduced, but city officials are now asking for federal assistance to address the growing crisis.

The city is legally obligated to provide shelter to those who request it, but delays have led the Legal Aid Society to consider litigation to ensure that the city meets its obligations promptly.

Migrants facing difficulties in the city

The situation outside the hotel has become challenging, with single men forming most of the line, waiting to register for shelter.

The hotel serves as both an arrival point for migrants to access resources such as vaccines and food, and a humanitarian relief centre accommodating families with children.

As the number of migrants in New York City increases, Mayor Eric Adams warns that scenes like these may become more common, putting a strain on the city's resources.

Mayor urges federal government to act

Mayor Adams is pressing the federal government for help, emphasising that the city is currently caring for 50,000 migrants and that more than 93,000 asylum seekers have come through the intake system since the spring.

The mayor believes that the federal government must declare a state of emergency and treat the situation as a national crisis to provide adequate support.

Migrants eager to start new lives with legal work opportunities

Migrants express exhaustion from their journey and acknowledge that the current situation is not ideal. However, they are eager to begin their new lives and contribute to society through legal work opportunities.

They are requesting permission to work and are grateful to be in New York. But the lack of clarity and uncertainty surrounding their situation makes it challenging for them to move forward.